Chicago “Bean” Sprouts Giant Stalk!

The metallic sculpture, designed by Anish Kapoor in 2004, has grown a stalk that measures 12 feet by 10 inches in circumference, and extends past the height of the Willis Tower into the clouds above.

Earliest sightings of the stalk were reported just after midnight last night.

“I was sitting under the Bean, watching Cheerson my iPhone, when I heard a loud ‘POP’ and then what sounded like a car crash. I ran out to see what happened, and there it was:! A giant beanstalk straight from a Disney movie!” – Ray, security guard for Millennium Park

When Kapoor first planted “Cloud Gate” (we get the name now, how clever!) at the onset of Millennium Park’s opening, he never could have imagined it would become so popular. Apparently the art installation (lovingly nicknamed “the Bean”) has been shown so much love by its annual visitors that it couldn’t help but evolve.

There is no word yet on where the stalk may lead, though teams of scientists are currently on-site to determine if it is safe to climb. Hundreds of citizens are camped out on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion lawn, many with backpacks and what appears to be hiking gear.

“Once we verify that the stalk is stable enough to support my 223 lb frame, we’re going up there! Who knows where it ends, but if nothing else the view will be really something!”- Dr. Dennis Smerz, botanical hobbyist

It’s an impressive site to behold for sure, though some people from around the world have taken to social media to grumble at the idea of having to re-visit Cloud Gate on their next visit to Chicago just for a new stalk image.

The Chicago Parks District has confirmed that the Bean sculpture will remain a free attraction to look at from the ground, but plans are in the works for charging admission for thrill seekers looking to climb.